Permanent Retainers

• 24/7 Support: While removable retainers require the wearer to keep them in consistently, permanent retainers ease the pressure of having to remember to take them in and out. These permanent appliances work around the clock to keep your teeth where they should be.
• Convenience: Permanent retainers, which are fixed into place, won’t get lost if you take them out to eat. That means no digging through trash cans or chasing the garbage truck. And, you won’t need to remember to pack your retainer case when you head out on vacation, either. For most wearers, permanent retainers become virtually out-of-sight-out-of-mind.
• Discreet Design: Unlike removable retainers with wires that extend across the front of the teeth, removable retainers are attached to the back of the teeth, hiding them from view. Patients who prefer a more discreet aesthetic love the ability to conceal their retainer and go about their daily lives.

For patients who require permanent retainers in Salt Lake City and Lehi, Smile Ranch is here to help. Your orthodontist will help you consider all of your post-treatment options and let you know what they recommend. We’ll help you evaluate several factors to determine if a permanent retainer is the best choice for you. These factors include:

• Post-Treatment Evaluation: Once you are near the end of your treatment, your orthodontist will set up a post-treatment check-up to discuss the next steps. We’ll look at the results you’ve achieved, check on your alignment, and decide whether or not a retainer will be required. Consult with your orthodontist for a comprehensive post-orthodontic assessment.
• Oral Hygiene: Permanent retainers require special care and cleaning practices, so you’ll need to determine whether or not you can commit to consistent hygiene practices. Your orthodontist will explain the care process and procedures during your evaluation.
• Lifestyle: For patients who have busy lifestyles and schedules, remembering to consistently wear a retainer can be difficult. If you think that might be you, a permanent retainer may be the best choice.

While the word “permanent” implies that you may be stuck with a piece of metal in your mouth for life, that may not be the case. The following factors will determine just how permanent your permanent retainer will be:

• Result Stability: Your orthodontist will continue to evaluate how well your teeth are retaining their new positions. If they have refrained from shifting and have held their alignment, you may only need the retainer for a short time.
• Age: Younger patients whose jaws are still developing might experience movement following treatment completion. In this case, your orthodontist may recommend retainer wear for a longer period of time.
• History: The initial complexity of your case might have an effect on the need for post-treatment care. More complex cases will likely require a permanent retainer indefinitely.
• Response to Treatment: Your teeth might respond differently to treatment than another patient’s will. While many patients will experience lasting results, others might have a higher risk of relapse. Some of this may have to do with your habits. For example, if you tend to thrust your tongue or grind your teeth, your bite is likely to shift without help from a permanent retainer (or other type of retainer). Your orthodontist will monitor your response after treatment to see if your teeth are moving.

For quality care and orthodontic expertise, you can trust us to craft your permanent retainers. With the latest technology, we can make sure that they fit comfortably and keep your teeth perfectly aligned. Our patients love our robust track record (more than 35 years in business) and our friendly staff. We’re committed to ensuring results that will last for life. So, if you’re ready to learn more about your post-treatment options, contact us today.